You probably have a bunch of things tucked away, waiting for that perfect moment you call “someday.” It’s easy to believe you’ll need them later, even if that moment never actually comes. This mindset, often called Someday Syndrome, can keep your space cluttered and your goals on hold.
Understanding which items you’re holding onto because of “someday” thinking can help you clear out what’s just taking up space. Recognizing this pattern is the first step to deciding what really matters and what’s better off gone.
Old clothes that no longer fit but remind you of your past self
You probably hang on to those clothes because they remind you of who you used to be. Maybe you hope to get back to that size or feel the same confidence again.
But keeping them often just adds mental clutter. If they don’t fit now, they’re unlikely to someday.
Try keeping only the pieces that truly spark joy or hold meaningful memories. Let go of the rest to make space for your present self.
Unused kitchen gadgets bought for a recipe you’ll try someday
You’ve got that fancy spiralizer or electric chopper sitting in the back of a cabinet. It looked perfect for a recipe you saw once, but somehow, that recipe never made it to your kitchen.
These gadgets often promise to make cooking easier or more fun, but without the motivation to use them, they just gather dust. It’s okay to admit you might never try that “someday” recipe and let go of the tools that go with it.
Books you bought to read “when you have time”
You probably have a stack of books gathering dust, waiting for that elusive “free time.” Maybe you told yourself you’d get to them someday.
Those motivational or self-help books that seemed perfect often end up unread. You keep them around just in case.
The truth is, if you haven’t started by now, you might never find the time you expect. They become a symbol of unfinished plans.
Expired coupons saved just in case
You probably have a stash of expired coupons sitting around, waiting for a day they might still work. It feels like holding on to extra savings, even if the chances are slim.
Sometimes you keep them because you think a store might bend the rules or the coupon might still scan. But most of the time, those old coupons just end up cluttering your wallet or drawer.
Letting go of expired coupons can clear space without losing any real value. Your future self won’t miss them.
Magazines stacked for future inspiration
You probably have a pile of magazines somewhere, waiting for the perfect moment to flip through them. Maybe you think you’ll find a great idea or get inspired “someday.”
The truth is, those stacks often just gather dust. If you haven’t looked at them in months, it’s unlikely you will. Consider whether holding on to them is really worth the space.
Outdated electronics you might fix later
You probably have old gadgets tucked away, thinking you’ll fix them someday. Chargers, phones, or game consoles often sit unused because the repair seems too complicated or expensive.
Sometimes, these devices just need minor parts like wiring or fans replaced. But don’t forget batteries can leak or degrade, making repairs harder than you expect.
If you haven’t touched a device in years, it might be more useful to recycle or donate it instead of waiting for a repair that never comes.
Extra craft supplies from abandoned projects
You probably have a stash of craft supplies bought for projects you never finished. Those paints, fabrics, or beads were meant for “someday,” but that day hasn’t come yet.
Holding onto these extras just takes up space. If you’re not using them now, it’s okay to let them go or donate them to someone who will.
Unworn shoes kept for special occasions that never come
You might have a few pairs of shoes saved for “special occasions” that rarely happen. They sit in their boxes, waiting for a moment that never really shows up.
Sometimes the shoes even start to decline because they’re not worn. Glue can yellow, and materials like sponge can degrade, even if you’re just keeping them stored away.
In the end, these shoes stay new, but also unused, taking up space and collecting dust instead of memories.
Stack of business cards from networking events you stopped attending
You probably have a pile of business cards from events you used to go to but haven’t in a while. It feels like keeping them might help “someday” when you get around to reaching out.
The truth is, those cards often just sit there collecting dust. If you don’t follow up soon after meeting someone, those contacts lose their value fast. Holding on to them won’t create connections by itself.
Exercise equipment bought during a short-lived fitness motivation
You snagged that fancy treadmill or set of dumbbells when you were fired up to get fit. But now, it’s just gathering dust in the corner or taking up space in the closet.
It’s easy to hold onto this gear because you tell yourself you’ll “get back to it someday.” The truth is, if you haven’t used it in months, it’s probably not helping you.
Consider whether these items truly motivate you or if they’re just reminders of a goal you’ve lost interest in. Let go to free up space and mental energy.
Unused plane tickets or travel vouchers you keep hoping to use
You probably have a plane ticket or travel voucher lying around from a trip that got canceled or postponed. It feels like a safe bet to hold onto it, thinking you’ll use it someday.
The tricky part is that some vouchers don’t expire, but many have limits on when or how you can use them. If you don’t pay attention, you might lose out without realizing it.
Try checking the airline’s policies and setting a reminder for expiration dates. That way, you won’t get stuck with something worthless down the road.
Old hobby materials for crafts or sports you abandoned
You probably have boxes or drawers filled with craft supplies or sports gear from hobbies you stopped. Maybe you planned to finish that quilt or get back to painting someday.
But if it’s been years, chances are you won’t. Holding on just takes up space. Consider donating or gifting those items to someone who can use them.
